This really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Yes, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant have each had very nice seasons for their teams, but there is nobody matching what LeBron is doing this year.

He's completely reshaped his game in order become a more efficient player, and after a 2010-11 season where he disappointed many, there are no longer critics waiting to bash him at every available moment.

Leading with his play on the court, LeBron has really shown us what type of player he's capable of being and it's been downright unbelievable to watch.

When he's firing on all cylinders, he is unlike any other player in the league.

Most Improved Player: DeMarcus Cousins, F/C Sacramento Kings

A lot of people are going to want to see Jeremy Lin here, but how much has he actually improved? New York's sensation at point guard was limited by playing time and opportunity rather than skill in the past, so it's hard to gauge just how much he's actually improved.

Although Cousins' numbers haven't improved by leaps and bounds from his rookie season, he's becoming a more complete player at both ends of the floor.

His numbers as a starter (16.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks) are gaudy considering he's averaging just under 30 minutes of playing time per game. There is no doubt that the 21-year-old center can be the next dominant force beneath the cup in this league.

He's playing motivated basketball under Keith Smart, and his length and athleticism will be huge competitive advantages as he continues to improve.

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Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving, PG Cleveland Cavaliers

There are some intriguing candidates from this rookie class, including undervalued assets in Kenneth Faried (Nuggets) and Isaiah Thomas (Kings), but nobody has had the instant impact of Irving in their inaugural campaign.

Starting since day one, Irving is posting a ridiculous 19.0 points, 5.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game on a Cleveland team that isn't giving him much help.

Shooting nearly 48 percent from the field, better than 40 percent from deep and an incredible 87 percent from the foul line, Irving is having an historic rookie season that really needs to be embraced.

The things Irving has been able to accomplish before his 20th birthday are nothing short of remarkable.

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls

There has been a lot of talk about Gregg Popovich claiming the honor here for what he's been able to do for the San Antonio Spurs, but Thibodeau's work as a head coach is just incredible.

Playing multiple games this season without Derrick Rose, Richard Hamilton and even Luol Deng, Thibodeau's Chicago Bulls stand at 39-10 and have the best record in the entire league.